MOVING OVER TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT
If you currently receive certain benefits, you will soon receive a letter about moving to Universal Credit. This process, called “managed migration,” requires you to act promptly to ensure your financial support continues. Managed migration is the government’s way of transferring people from older benefits systems, known as “legacy benefits,” to Universal Credit. This guide will explain what to expect, how to prepare, and the steps you need to take for a smooth transition to Universal Credit.
To read our helpful FAQ's on Managed Migration click on the below link.
Have you received a letter (managed migration notice) from the DWP inviting you to claim Universal Credit?
If you are in receipt of any one or more of the following benefits you will receive a letter:
- Income Support
- Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Housing Benefit
Please DO NOT make a claim unless you have received a letter (please see example letter below)
- Your managed migration notice will give you a DEADLINE DAY, which should be a least three months from the date of your migration notice. You do not have to claim UC as soon as you receive your migration notice, but it is important that you do before your deadline day OTHERWISE YOUR BENEFITS WILL STOP.
- If you miss your deadline day there is a FINAL DEADLINE DAY, which is 1 month, minus a day from your deadline day.
- If you fail to claim UC by the FINAL DEADLINE DAY, your benefits will stop and you will lose any transitional protection. Transitional protection means you should be no worse off when you transfer across to UC. You can still make a “NEW” claim for UC, but your UC could be less than the benefits you receive now.
Better time to claim
- If you are paid your Tax credits every 4 weeks, then making your claim just after receiving this may help the 5 week wait for your first payment of Universal Credit.
- If working and paid monthly, then don’t make your UC claim around the date your wages are paid.
- You will need to report your childcare payments or income and expenses, if self-employed, at the end of every monthly assessment period.
- How much will I get on UC – we recommend you use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator i.e. Entitled to, Policy in Practice Better Off or Turn2Us
What if I struggle to make the deadline
- If you think you have a “good reason” for not applying for UC before your deadline day you can ask for an extension. You must do this before your deadline day by contacting the UC helpline on 0800 169 0328.
What is in place for vulnerable claimants
- UC Migration Notice helpline: 0800 169 0328. Line is open 8am to 6pm and calls are free
- If you cannot speak or hear on the phone – you can use Relay UK service to make free, text-supported call to the UC Migration Notice Helpline. Dial 18001 followed by 0800 169 0328.
- Please make sure the DWP have recorded any vulnerabilities and or complex issues on your claim
For more information on migration notice letter's please use the links below:
Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What to do when you receive a letter about moving to Universal Credit?
To read our helpful FAQ's on Managed Migration click on the below link:
Useful contact details
0800 169 0328 – Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline – Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm
0800 328 5644 – Universal Credit general contact number
0333 3212 200 – option 2 – Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing – call your rents officer to discuss concerns you may have about paying your rent, support you may need to make your claim and set up a payment plan.
Or email rents@starhousing.org.uk
